Systems and Methods for Integrated Pole Structure and Function

ABSTRACT

A pole system comprising a continuous elongated frame forming both structural and functional geometries relating to the handle and shaft portions. The continuous elongated frame may include an internal cavity and a variable wall thickness along the lengthwise dimension. The handle portion of the continuous elongated frame includes a cap region, grip region, and a retention region. The independent regions of the handle portion may include substantially different cross sectional shapes to facilitate the corresponding functional characteristics. For example, the grip region may include an ergonomic tapered oval cross sectional shape to facilitate optimal engagement with a user&#39;s hand. The shaft portion of the continuous elongated frame is disposed between the handle portion and the bottom end of the continuous elongated frame. The tip is either integrated as a portion of the continuous elongated frame or translatably coupled via a lower pole member.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention generally relates to the manufacturing and design of ski and trekking poles. In particular, the present invention relates to systems and methods for integrating structural and functional pole geometry.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 62/152,084 filed Apr. 24, 2015, the contents of which are incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Poles are used for a variety of activities, including skiing, trekking, hiking, snowshoeing, etc. The term “ski pole” is used interchangeably to refer to a pole that may be used for any purpose. Likewise, the term “pole” may refer to one or two poles to provide support for use during particular modes of movement. For example, hikers and trekkers commonly use poles to minimize knee impact by supporting a portion of their body weight on the poles rather than on their legs. Likewise, skiers use poles for intermittent support and assistance in particular types of turns. In addition, traditional style cross-country skiers drive their poles downward to generate additional forward momentum. Poles are also used for various unconventional purposes such as supporting tents, marking accidents, operating a binding, etc. The primary function of a pole is therefore to transfer support from a surface to a user's hand during operation.

Poles generally include handle, shaft, and tips. The handle portion is shaped and configured to ergonomically accommodate a user's hand including various grips, geometries, and materials. The shaft is shaped and configured to facilitate structural lengthwise support of the pole between the handle and tip including various cross sectional shapes. In addition, the shaft may include various functional coupling structures to facilitate collapsibility while maintaining the necessary structural strengths. For example, the shaft may include components for lockable telescopic couplings, releasable segmentation couplings, releasable foldable couplings, etc. The tip is shaped and configured to establish a point of support on the surface over which the user is travelling. The tip may also include various components and geometries to optimize the supportive coupling between the tip and the surface.

The overall weight of the pole system is an important performance characteristic because a user must repeatedly translate the pole from one location to another during operation. In addition, if the pole is not in use, the user must store and transport the pole so that it is available. The weight of the pole system directly corresponds to the minimum structural strengths at various locations. For example, the pole system must include certain tensile, torsion, and compression strengths to prevent fracture during operation. Therefore, the weight of the pole system directly corresponds to the structure necessary to create the minimum structural strengths of the system. Conventional poles that incorporate numerous functional performance features are often heavier as a result of the necessary components corresponding to the functional features. For example, collapsibility generally requires multiple components between segments of the pole which facilitate releasable mechanisms. Likewise, optimal ergonomic tapered handle portions require multiple grips and structures which must be coupled to the shaft. Unfortunately, the incorporation of additional components to achieve the functional performance features generally increases the weight and complexity of the overall pole system in order to achieve the necessary structural strengths.

Therefore, there is a need in the industry for an improved pole system that integrates the structural and functional pole components to minimize weight, complexity and/or manufacturing costs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the manufacturing and design of ski and trekking poles. In particular, the present invention relates to systems and methods for integrating structural and functional pole geometry. One embodiment of the present invention relates to a pole system comprising a continuous elongated frame forming both structural and functional geometries relating to the handle and shaft portions. The continuous elongated frame may include an internal cavity and a variable wall thickness along the lengthwise dimension. The handle portion of the continuous elongated frame includes a cap region, a grip region, and a retention region. The independent regions of the handle portion may include substantially different cross sectional shapes to facilitate the corresponding functional characteristics. For example, the grip region may include an ergonomic tapered oval cross sectional shape to facilitate optimal engagement with a user's hand. The shaft portion of the continuous elongated frame is disposed between the handle portion and the bottom end of the continuous elongated frame. In one embodiment, the tip is integrated as a portion of the continuous elongated frame. In a second embodiment, the tip is disposed on a lower pole member that is translatably coupled to the continuous elongated frame via a coupler. The lower pole member may further include a first and second pole segment that are translatably intercoupled.

Embodiments of the present invention represent a significant advance in the field of pole systems by integrating functional features with necessary structural strength while maintaining minimal weight. Conventional lightweight pole systems incorporate multiple components or segments to enable functional performance features such as collapsibility, handle taper, etc. Each of the components must then be assembled and coupled with the lightweight structural elements of the pole. For example, a conventional pole system may include a carbon fiber shaft coupled to a plastic handle with multiple layers of rubber grip material. Embodiments of the present invention incorporate a substantially single-composition continuous elongated frame that forms both functional regions and the lightweight structural regions of the pole system. The integration of the necessary geometries for the functional and structural regions eliminates or reduces the manufacturing complexity of coupling structural components (ie. tubular shafts) with functional components (i.e. handles, grips, etc.). The novel integration of structural and functional components creates a synergistic strength increase and weight decrease above the conventional combination of lightweight functional components. For example, integrating the functional grip geometry with the structural shaft creates a cross-sectionally shaped structure that is significantly lighter and stronger than a conventional combination of slide-on-grip (function) and narrow elongated pole (structure) components.

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be set forth or will become more fully apparent in the description that follows and in the appended claims. The features and advantages may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. Furthermore, the features and advantages of the invention may be learned by the practice of the invention or will be obvious from the description, as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following description of the invention can be understood in light of the Figures, which illustrate specific aspects of the invention and are a part of the specification. Together with the following description, the Figures demonstrate and explain the principles of the invention. In the Figures, the physical dimensions may be exaggerated for clarity. The same reference numerals in different drawings represent the same element, and thus their descriptions will be omitted.

FIGS. 1A-1B illustrate cross-sectional views of a conventional assembled handle portion versus an integrated structure and function handle portion in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 2A-2B illustrate cross-sectional views of a conventional pole system handle versus an integrated structure and function handle portion in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates an integrated structure and function pole system in accordance with an integrated tip embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a handle portion of an integrated structure and function pole system in accordance with embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a shaft portion, lower pole member, and tip in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 6A-B illustrate a perspective and elevated view of a collapsed state of the second embodiment of the pole system particularly illustrating the positioning of the lower pole member; and

FIGS. 7A-B illustrate a horizontal and vertical cross-sectional views of a conventional pole system versus a pole system with a continuous elongated frame in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the manufacturing and design of ski and trekking poles. In particular, the present invention relates to systems and methods for integrating structural and functional pole geometry. One embodiment of the present invention relates to a pole system comprising a continuous elongated frame forming both structural and functional geometries relating to the handle and shaft portions. The continuous elongated frame may include an internal cavity and a variable wall thickness along the lengthwise dimension. The handle portion of the continuous elongated frame includes a cap region, a grip region, and a retention region. The independent regions of the handle portion may include substantially different cross sectional shapes to facilitate the corresponding functional characteristics. For example, the grip region may include an ergonomic tapered oval cross sectional shape to facilitate optimal engagement with a user's hand. The shaft portion of the continuous elongated frame is disposed between the handle portion and the bottom end of the continuous elongated frame. In one embodiment the tip is integrated as a portion of the continuous elongated frame. In a second embodiment, the tip is disposed on a lower pole member that is translatably coupled to the continuous elongated frame via a coupler. The lower pole member may further include a first and second pole segment that are translatably intercoupled. Also, while embodiments are described in reference to recreational poles it will be appreciated that the teachings of the present invention are applicable to other areas including but not limited to industrial poles.

The following terms are defined as follows:

Continuous elongated frame—a frame structure that comprises a single structure rather than a multi-segment intercoupled structure. A continuous frame may be hollow or solid and have varying external and internal geometries, recesses, and/or holes. Various manufacturing processes may be used to create a continuous frame, including but not limited to injection molding, fiber over-mold wrapping, etc.

A general pole system includes a handle portion, shaft portion, and tip. These components will be described in further detail below in reference to the figures but are described generally for reference and terminology. The handle portions and tip are positioned on opposite lengthwise ends of the system with the shaft portion disposed between. The handle portion is configured to receive and engage with a user's hand via various functional geometries and regions. The handle portion may include a cap region, grip region, and retention region. The regions of the handle portion may include various three dimensional shapes and contours to achieve particular functionalities corresponding to the pole system operation. For example, the grip region may include a thickness, cross-sectional shape, and lengthwise curvature to enable the ergonomic engagement between a user's hand and the pole system. Likewise, the cap and retention regions may include various three dimensional shapes and contours to achieve additional functionalities, including retaining a user's hand on the grip region. The shaft portion is disposed between the handle portion and the tip. The shaft portion primarily includes an elongated structure configured to minimize overall weight while providing lengthwise spacing between the handle and tips. The shaft portion may optionally include a second grip region and second retention region for engaging with a user's hand. The shaft portion may be coupled directly to the tip (FIG. 3) or coupled via one or more translatable lower pole members (FIG. 5) to enable selective extension and collapse of the system. The tip is coupled to the shaft portion and configured to engage with a surface over which the user is translating (i.e. dirt or snow). The tip may include a basket and a point.

Reference is initially made to FIGS. 1A-1B, which illustrate lengthwise cross-sectional views of a conventional prior art pole system handle portion 10 (FIG. 1A) versus a handle portion 120 of a pole system 100 (FIG. 1B). The conventional pole system 10 shown in FIG. 1A includes a handle member 20 coupled over a cylindrical tube 30 to form the handle portion of the system 10. The tube 30 extends below the handle 20 and forms all or part of the shaft portion (not shown). Tubular structures are conventionally used to form the shaft portions of a pole so as to maximize lengthwise strength while minimizing weight. The individual handle member 20 is fixably coupled over and around the tube 30 as shown in the cross sectional view of FIG. 1A. The handle member 20 may include various functional cross sectional shapes and regions to facilitate engagement with a user's hand. In contrast, embodiments of the present invention relate to a pole system 100 that includes a continuous elongated frame 110 to form both the structural and functional components. Although the continuous elongated frame 110 is a single component, it is described in separate portions and regions to explain the individual functionalities. It will be appreciated that the continuous elongated frame 110 is a continuous structure, meaning that it is not a combination of coupled components and therefore has no points of discontinuity. For example, the continuous elongated frame may be manufactured by wrapping, spraying, injecting, and/or depositing a material over a positive or negative mold. For example, a carbon-fiber material may be wrapped over a positive mold, while an aluminum material may be deposited over a negative mold. All of the necessary strengths, external geometries, internal geometries, and thicknesses may therefore be formed by the continuous elongated frame rather than requiring multiple intercoupled components. The continuous uncoupled frame thereby reduces material cost, assembly cost, weight, and complexity while providing the same geometries to achieve optimal performance.

The continuous elongated frame 110 further includes a handle portion 120 and a shaft portion 130. The continuous elongated frame 110 may optionally include a hollow internal cavity and an outer wall thickness. The outer wall thickness may be defined as a thickness between the hollow internal cavity and an exterior surface of the continuous elongated frame 110. The outer wall thickness may be variable across the length of the continuous elongated frame. For example, the outer wall thickness may be greater at regions of high operational stress and lower at regions of low operational stress.

One embodiment of the handle portion 120 of the pole system 100 is illustrated in FIG. 1B. The handle portion 120 includes a cap region 122, grip region 124, and a retention region 126. The cap region 122 is disposed on the top end of the continuous elongated frame 110. The retention region is disposed adjacent to the shaft portion 130. The grip region is disposed between the cap region and the retention region 126. As illustrated, at least two of the cap region 122, grip region 124, and retention region 126 include different cross-sectional shapes. In FIG. 1B, the cap region 124 and grip region 124 have different cross-sectional shapes. In particular, the cap region 122 may include a larger diameter, circular cross-sectional shape, and the grip region 124 may include a smaller diameter, tapered oval cross-sectional shape. In an alternative embodiment, the retention region 126 may include the same cross-sectional shape as the grip region 124. The cross-sectional shape of the grip region 122 may be configured to engage with the palm of user's hand during specific operations. The cross-sectional shape of the grip region 122 may also be configured to expand beyond the grip region 124 so as to prevent upward translation of a user's hand from the grip region 124. The cross-sectional shape of the grip region 124 may also be configured to engage with a user's palm and fingers in a wrapped position during specific operations. The cross-sectional shape of the retention region 126 may also be configured to expand beyond the grip region 124 so as to prevent downward translation of a user's hand from the grip region 124. The cap region 122 may include a releasable opening to an internal cavity within the continuous elongated frame 110. The cap region 122 may also include a one or more strap coupling recesses, detents, and/or positive protrusions. Any of the regions or portions of the continuous elongated frame 110 may include external cover members to facilitate alternative tactile functionalities. For example, the grip region 124 may include a cover member comprising at least one of foam, tape, and rubber. An external cover member does not alter the cross sectional shape of the grip region 124 but rather merely alters the surface. In contrast, the prior art handle member 20 (FIG. 1A) alters the surface of the structural cylindrical tube 30 by providing a tapered gripping surface.

A second embodiment of a pole system 200 is illustrated in FIG. 2B in comparison to an analogous prior art pole system 12 illustrated in FIG. 2A. Many pole systems include some type of curvature offset for specific applications and/or ergonomic operation. The conventional offset pole system 12 includes a curvature within the tube 32 rather than the handle member 22 because of the necessary force distributions within the structural component (Tube 32) rather than the functional component (handle member 22). In contrast, the pole system 200 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention optimally positions the curvature within the grip region 224 of the handle portion 220 of the continuous elongated frame 210. Since the continuous elongated frame 210 is a single structure, it is possible to position the curvature anywhere on the system because the structural and functional components of the system are integrated within the continuous elongated frame 210 rather than provided by separate components. It will be appreciated that various other multi-shape grips and/or contours may be formed in the continuous uncoupled frame without substantially affecting the necessary strength of the system. The alternative pole system 200 includes a continuous elongated frame 210 which further includes a handle portion 220 and shaft portion 230. The handle portion 220 includes a cap region 222, grip region 224, and a retention region 226.

Reference is next made to FIG. 3, which illustrates an integrated tip embodiment of the pole system 100. In the illustrated embodiment in FIG. 3, the continuous elongated frame 110 includes the tip 140. The shaft portion 130 is disposed between the tip 140 and the handle portion 120. The shaft portion 130 forms the substantially lengthwise portion of the system 100 with respect to the tip and handle portion 120. The shaft portion 130 may include a second grip region 132 and second retention region 134. The second grip region 132 may be configured to engage with a user's hand and fingers in a wrapped configuration during certain operational parameters. The second grip region 132 therefore may include a particular cross-sectional shape such as a tapered oval to facilitate the engagement. Likewise, the second retention region 134 may include a larger diameter cross-sectional shape with respect to the second grip region 132 to prevent translation of the user's hand. A second cover member (not shown) may also be placed over the second grip region 132 to increase the softness and/or dampening tactile properties versus the external surface of the continuous elongated frame 110. The tip 140 is disposed adjacent to the shaft portion 130 and opposite the handle portion 120. The tip includes a basket 142 and a point 144. In the illustrated embodiment, the point 144 is disposed on the bottom end of the continuous elongated frame 110 opposite the cap region 122. The point 144 may include a conical tapered region and an external metal point member (not shown). The illustrated basket 142 is a releasable member separate from the continuous elongated frame 110. Alternatively, the basket 142 could be part of the continuous elongated frame 110. In addition, the tip 140 may include various retention regions having particular cross sectional shapes that retain the illustrated removable basket 142 in a particular lengthwise position.

Reference is next made to FIGS. 4 and 5, which illustrate a separate tip embodiment of the present invention. The illustrated pole system 100 includes a continuous elongated frame 110 in which the bottom end includes a coupler 160 (rather than extending to the tip 140 as illustrated and described in reference to FIG. 3). The shaft portion 130 therefore includes the coupler 160 opposite the handle portion 120. The illustrated coupler 160 (FIG. 5) is not part of the continuous elongated frame 110 but may be manufactured in an alternative embodiment. The bottom end of the frame portion 130 and continuous elongated frame 110 may include a lengthwise recess over which the coupler 160 is disposed. The coupler 160 may be a redial selective clamping type coupler including an unclamped state (shown in FIG. 5) and a clamped state (not shown). A second lower pole member 150 may be telescopically engaged within the bottom end of the continuous elongated frame 110 and shaft portion 130 via the coupler 160 as shown. The selective clamping of the coupler 160 may facilitate the translation of the lower pole member 150 with respect to the continuous elongated frame 110. For example, in the unclamped state of the coupler 160, a user may translate the lower pole member 150 with respect to the continuous elongated frame 110 to customize the length of the system 100 for a particular operation. It is generally preferable to minimize the overall length of the system for portability and then expand the system 100 to a particular length during operation. It will be appreciated that additional telescopic segments or pole members may be internested to facilitate greater ranges of the collapsibility in accordance with known practices in the field.

Reference is next made to FIGS. 6A-B, which illustrate a perspective and top view of a pole system 100 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. As discussed above, the continuous elongated frame 110 may be formed to include an internal cavity 116 in the handle portion 120 accessed via a recess 118 or opening on the top end. Likewise, the system 100 may optionally include a lower pole member 150 translatably coupled within the continuous elongated frame 110. Conventional telescopic pole systems are limited by the structural members are to where the internested pole segments may translate. This limitation then limits the overall collapsibility range of the system. For example, a convention pole system may include cylindrical tubes forming the structural lengthwise integrity of the system; the internested telescopic pole segments may only overlap within the respective tube segments and not extend into external components such as a handle member 20 (See FIG. 1A). FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate a pole system 100 embodiment in which the shaft portion 130 includes a lower pole member 150 which may selectively telescope/internest within the continuous elongated frame 110 so as to reduce the overall length of the system. The illustrated lower pole member 150 is configured to translate all the way within the internal cavity of the handle portion toward the top end of the continuous elongated frame 110, thereby further reducing the overall length of the system in a collapsed/portable state beyond that which may be achieved by a convention pole system.

Reference is next made to FIGS. 7A-B, which illustrate lengthwise and orthogonal lengthwise cross-sectional views of an elongated continuous frame 110 and a conventional tube 30. The cross-sectional views illustrate the effect of the novel integration of structural and functional components into a continuous elongated frame 110 to create a synergistic strength increase and weight decrease above a conventional combination of components. Specifically, FIGS. 7A-B illustrate that the single-composition frame avoids the conventional point of weakness resulting from intercoupling functional components. In addition, the expanded horizontal cross-sectional shape of the single-composition frame is significantly lighter and stronger across the functional regions (i.e. grip, couplers, etc.) versus a conventional combination of functional and structural components.

It should be noted that various alternative system designs may be practiced in accordance with the present invention, including one or more portions or concepts of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 or described above. Various other embodiments have been contemplated, including combinations in whole or in part of the embodiments described above. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A pole system comprising: a continuous elongated frame including a top end, a plurality of adjacent lengthwise portions, and a bottom end, and wherein the independent adjacent portions include a handle portion and a shaft portion; the handle portion further includes a cap region, a grip region, and a retention region, wherein the grip region is disposed between the cap region and the retention region, and wherein the cap region is disposed on the top end; the shaft portion of the continuous elongated frame is disposed between the handle portion and the bottom end; a tip including a point; wherein the bottom end of the continuous elongated frame includes at least one of the tip and a coupler releasably coupled to a lower pole member including the tip; and wherein at least two of the cap region, grip region, and retention region of the continuous elongated frame include substantially different cross sectional shapes.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the continuous elongated frame includes a hollow internal cavity and a wall thickness.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the wall thickness of the continuous elongated frame is variable between the top end and the bottom end.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the continuous elongated frame includes a carbon fiber composition.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the grip region and retention region of the handle portion include the same cross sectional shape and area.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the grip region includes a smaller cross sectional area with respect to at least one of the cap region and retention region.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the cap region includes a releasable opening to a hollow internal cavity of the continuous elongated frame.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the grip region includes an external cover member extending between the cap region and the retention region.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the external cover member includes at least one of foam, tape, and rubber.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the coupler includes a cross sectional clamping member having a clamped state and a translational state, and wherein the clamped state retains a lengthwise position of the continuous elongated frame and the lower pole member, and wherein the translational state enables a translation between the continuous elongated frame and the lower pole member.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the lower pole member includes a lower first segment, a lower second segment, and a lower coupler, and wherein the lower coupler includes a second cross sectional clamping member having a clamped state and a translational state.
 12. The system of claim 1, wherein a basket is releasably coupled to the tip between two tip retention regions of the continuous elongated frame.
 13. The system of claim 1, wherein the continuous elongated frame include a second grip region disposed within the shaft portion.
 14. The system of claim 1, wherein the handle portion includes a lengthwise angle greater than twenty degrees causing the cap region to be substantially offset from the shaft portion with respect to the lengthwise axis of the continuous elongated frame.
 15. The system of claim 1, wherein lower pole member is configured to selectively translate within the continuous elongated frame to the top end.
 16. The system of claim 1, wherein the grip region includes a non-circular cross sectional shape.
 17. The system of claim 1, wherein the coupler is disposed over a recess on the bottom end of the continuous elongated frame.
 18. The system of claim 1, wherein tip is continuous with the continuous elongated frame.
 19. A pole system comprising: a continuous elongated frame including a top end, a plurality of adjacent lengthwise portions, and a bottom end, and wherein the independent adjacent portions include a handle portion and a shaft portion, and wherein the continuous elongated frame includes a hollow internal cavity and a variable wall thickness; the handle portion further includes a cap region, a grip region, and a retention region, wherein the grip region is disposed between the cap region and the retention region, and wherein the cap region is disposed on the top end; the shaft portion of the continuous elongated frame is disposed between the handle portion and the bottom end; a tip including a point; wherein the bottom end of the continuous elongated frame includes at least one of the tip and a coupler releasably coupled to a lower pole member including the tip; and wherein at least two of the cap region, grip region, and retention region of the continuous elongated frame include substantially different cross sectional shapes.
 20. A pole system comprising: a continuous elongated frame including a top end, a plurality of adjacent lengthwise portions, and a bottom end, and wherein the independent adjacent portions include a handle portion and a shaft portion; the handle portion further includes a cap region, a grip region, and a retention region, wherein the grip region is disposed between the cap region and the retention region, and wherein the cap region is disposed on the top end; the shaft portion of the continuous elongated frame is disposed between the handle portion and the bottom end; a tip including a point; wherein the bottom end of the continuous elongated frame includes at least one of the point and a coupler releasably coupled to a lower pole member including the tip; and wherein at least two of the cap region, grip region, and retention region of the continuous elongated frame include substantially different cross sectional shapes, and wherein the grip region includes a smaller cross sectional area with respect to at least one of the cap region and retention region. 